Recovery of the Chernobyl Sarcophagus After Drone Strike: When Will the Work Be Completed

Recovery of the Chernobyl Sarcophagus After Drone Strike: When Will the Work Be Completed

According to ХВИЛЯ: The priority work on restoring the New Safe Confinement (NSC) over the fourth reactor of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, which was damaged as a result of a Russian drone strike in February 2025, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. This work is critically important for ensuring the safety of the facility and the stability of the radiation situation in the region.

The damage to the NSC occurred during a fire that burned the waterproofing and damaged the membrane. To extinguish the fire, 130 openings were created in the outer shell. The restoration is funded by international partners under a grant agreement between Ukraine and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Experts from the French companies Bouygues Travaux Publics and VINCI Construction Grands Projets are involved in the work.

Radiation Situation and Its Impact on Work

The radiation situation at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant has remained stable from February 14 until today.

According to Sergey Kondratenko, 'from February 14 until today, the radiation situation does not exceed the established control levels. There are no unacceptable emissions into the atmosphere due to the formed openings.'

Despite this, the work on dismantling unstable structures is being delayed, which could affect the timeline for the NSC restoration.

The recovery of the Chernobyl sarcophagus is an important step in ensuring the safety of the nuclear facility and protecting the environment. The completion of the main works is planned for the end of 2026, which will help reduce risks associated with radiation hazards. The support of international partners in funding this work reflects a global responsibility for safety in the region, as the situation at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant is significant not only for Ukraine but for the entire world.